
Qass_ 
Book. 



4 9 



1 r_ 



CORRHSPONDENCE 



BBTWEKN 



HIS EXCELLENCY. 



|)i:c0i&fnt ^bvat)am Cincolu, 

HON. SIMON CAMERON, * 

Secketary of War, 



GOVERNORS ISRAEL WASHBURNE, OF MAINE; ICHABOD GODWIN, 

OF N. H. ; ERASTUS FAIRBANKS, OF VERMONT ; JOHN A. 

ANDREW, OF MASS. ; W. A. BUCKINGHAM, OF CONN. ; 

CHAS. S. OLDEN, OF N. J. ; ANDREW CTJRTIN, 

OF PENN. ; WM. DENNISON, OF OHIO ; 

AUSTIN BLAIR, OF MICH. ; ALEX. 

RAMSEY, OF MINN. ; RICH'D 

YATES, OF ILLINOIS, 

WITH 

GENERAL HIRAM WALBRIDGE, 

OF NE W YORK. 

IN 1861. 



NEW YORK: 
JOHN P. TROW, PRINTER, 60 GREENE STREET 

1866. 



CORRESPONDENCE 

BETWEEX 

HIS excellency/ 

|3rt6iknt ^brafjam Cincolu, 



THE 



HOK SIMON CAMERON, 

Secretary of War, 

GOVERNORS ISRAEL WASHBURNE, OF MAINE; ICHABOD GODWIN, 

OF N. n. ; ERASTUS FAIRBANKS, OF VERMONT; JOHN A. 

ANDREW, OF MASS. ; W. A. BUCKINGHAM, OF CONN. ; 

CHAS. S. OLDEN, OF N. J. ; ANDREW CURTIN, 

OF PENN. ; WM. DENNISON, OF OHIO ; 

AUSTIN BLAIR, OF MICH. ; ALEX. 

RAMSEY, OF MINN. ; RICH'D 

YATES. OF ILLINOIS, 



M'lTH 

GENERAL HIRAM WALBRIDGE, 

OF iV^ir YORK. 



IN 1861, 



NEW YORK: 

JOHN F. TEOW, PRINTER, 50 GREENE STREET, 

1865. 






lincolniana 



MEMORANDUM 



i^)ie ^ji'ccllcucn, ^bval)am £iucoln, 



PEESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 



1. The country should be put upon a war footing for not 
less than three years, with an enrolment of six hundred thou- 
sand men, of which half that number should never leave the 
field, until this odious rebellion is crushed, treason annihila- 
ted, and all questions of foreign policy properly adjusted. 

A conflict once begun, partial defeat or even a recoil with 
anything like equal forces, and the possession of any considera- 
ble portion of the Southern country by the insurgents, would 
demoralize our own Government, create disaffection among 
our loyal people, prostrate public credit, and paralyze indivi- 
dual prosperity. It would inaugurate a guerilla system, a 
sort of feudal conflict, the end of which no sagacity can pre- 
dict. 

The result would be protracted sectional alienation, im^ 
placable hatreds, and incurable animosities not to be oblitera- 
ted in a century. A long, wearisome, and protracted conflict 
is not in accordance with the spirit and genius of our people, 
and is at variance with all their moral and material interests. 

Half a million of earnest and determined men are now 



anxiously awaiting to r ally to the defence of tlie Constitution, 
the maintenance of the Union, and the inviolability of our 
flag, on any terms the Government may dictate, and for any 
period they may he required. They well realize that each 
age must be the guardian of its own freedom, and they are 
willing to attest their devotion to their country with their 
blood. 

2. This formidable array would place the struggle beyond 
all i^ossibility of doubt, and the remotest risk of failure, while 
the moral effect upon tlic insurgents would be certain and 
inevitable. This is shown by the energetic demonstrations 
of the general Government in Maryland and Missouri, where 
defection was rapidly ripening into treason and secession ; 
like beneficial results will follow, whenever the remaining 
insurgent sections are visited by an overwhelming force and 
summary action. 

3. It would thus be economy in money, economy to the 
industry of the country, always prostrated by intestine divi- 
sions ; and above all, it would diminish the effusion of blood, 
exalt our i)olicy, and be a crowning act of humanity. 

4. As a nation, we have asserted the '' Monroe Doctrine," 
the controlling influence of our Kepublican Government on 
this continent. But in less than six months from the incep- 
tion of our domestic troubles, Spain, not even classed as one 
of the great powers, has treated with contempt the princijde 
we have so boldly proclaimed. The Queen has recently, by 
a final act of ratification, transferred to Spain, a European 
power, dominion over the larger portion of the island of St. 
Domingo, an important and commanding position upon our 
South-eastern boundary. 

5. If this is any indication of European policy, owing to 



our present domestic afflictions, what is to "be our course, 
and where the end ? The great Western powers, England 
and France, will soon seek to control the Gulf of Mexico, 
and with it European predominance in Central America, 
Mexico, and the Caribbean sea. 

6. We have the men, the wealth, and the patriotism ; 
have been blessed with an abundant harvest the past year, 
with the promise of an equal one in the present. At no 
period of our national existence have we been better prepared 
to test the capacity of the Government for its own preserva- 
tion. 

It is respectfully submitted, whether it is. not sound 
policy and good judgment, to put forth our overwhelming 
strens-th and numbers, in crushing out this wicked and trea- 
sonable rebellion, and letting the European world realize the 
extent and magnitude of our military and material forces. 

The Federal authority then reestablished in every section 
of the country, by a comparatively bloodless and moral vic- 
tory, the Union spirit again rallying unfettered, would speedi- 
ly restore peace, order, and tranquillity to our distracted 
country. 

HIRAM WALBRIDGE. 

New York, May 2Zd, 1861. 



New York, May 21th, 1861. 

Dear Sir : — I Lave spent the last two days in Washington urging 
the general Government to augment the call for volunteers, and to 
accept all who are willing to enlist for the war, so as to place at 
least six hundred thousand men under immediate enrolment, of 
which, half that number should never leave the field until this odious 
rebellion is annihilated, and the tranquillity of the country again 
perfectly restored. 

I am convinced that the only way to make this war bloodless 
is to demonstrate our overwhelming strength and numbers. I have 
endeavored everywhere to give this opinion currency, but am con- 
stantly met with the idea of expense, and a discussion as to the 
policy as well as the diflSculty of eifecting it. 

Believing it to be a humane and Christian measure to speedily 
terminate the war by demonstrating our ability to do so, I am sure 
the people of the United States have no other desire than to preserve 
the country indivisible and the Constitution inviolable ; but they 
mean to achieve this at all hazards. Such a demonstration would, in 
my judgment, strengthen the hands of the Union men that really exist 
at the South, and would enable us to terminate the contest with 
great economy in blood and treasure, — would, most certainly, ele- 
vate our national character in Europe, and could not fail to exercise 
an important influence upon the counsel of her leading powers as to 
their action, while the great Republic is crushing out rebellion 
among a portion of her misguided and rebellious citizens, and indi- 
cating the strength and power of a people whose Government is poised 
upon the foundation of popular equality, sustained by popular in- 
telligence. 

Mingling as you do in your own State, immediately and directly 



with the people, who are to bccar in common with others the burden 
aiid expense of the conflict, will yon not give me your views, if con- 
sistent with my own, or otherwise, that I may employ them in se- 
curing the proposed action, and in strengthening the hands of 
the President, to whom Providence has confided the arbitrament 
of the greatest question of this age : " Whether a republican govern- 
ment of thirty millions of people, and able to withstand any foreign 
aggression, however formidable, is not equally able to preserve its 
own nationality when assailed by domestic treason and rebellion '?" 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
[signed] IIIPvAM WALBRIDGE. 
To Hon. ■ , Governor &c., of . 



From GOVERNOE. JOHN A. ANDREW, of Mass. 

Commonwealth of JlASSAcnusEiTS, i 

Executive Dejiartment. 
Council Chamber, Baston, May 28tli, 1801. ) 

General Hiram Walbridgk, New York. 

Sir : — His Excellency, Governor Andrew, orders me to acknow- 
ledge most courteously your favor of the -Ttli instant, which relates 
to the prosecution of the present war. 

lie desires me to express to you, in concurrence with your views, 
not merely the opinion, but the earnest and solemn conviction of 
himself and the people of Massachusetts, that the whole energies of 
the country should be condensed, to crush, to demolish, to annihilate 
rebellion. 

No requisition of the Federal Government upon this State, for 
this righteous purpose, will seem onerous to us. Ten regiments of 
infantry are anxiously waiting to be detailed into active service. 
The spirit of our people is thoroughly aroused. A well settled In- 
tellectual conviction combines with a fervent moral sense of duty 
into a determination that nothing can shake, to spend the last man 
and the last dollar in maintaining the supremacy of the Federal 
Government. 



His Excellency -would be delighted to receive a requisition for 
twenty regiments, as liis part of an array for the war, and they should 
come as soon as arms can be placed in their hands. I have no ques- 
tion that we can send out a regiment a week, for the rest of the year, 
after all the present requisitions are filled ; and the permission to do 
so would be hailed with delight. Arms, equipments, camp-equipage, 
wagon trains, f3ubsistence, everything shall come with every regiment, 
if required; and nothing shall be left undone to make another 
rebellion impossible, while this generation lasts. The day of com- 
promise with treason has irrevocably past, and the day of absolute 
victory shall be made made to come, if we fight for a century. 

We deem it absurd that the Government, which, in taking Kozta 
out from under the Austrian guns, established the principle that 
every man claiming the protection of the Federal flag should be 
defended everywhere, should leave thousands of Union-loving men, 
who implore that protection in the seceding States, a pi'ey to the 
most infamous and piratical confedevaey that ever called itself a 
Government. 

There is a perfect unanimity of sentiment in Massachusetts. 
Party names and party creeds are utterly ignored and forgotten. 
The preservation of the Union, the support of the Government, and 
the emphatic punishment and solemn extinction of traitors are the 
Catholic religion of us all — a religion of mercy. We have always 
been impressed with the wisdom of Washington, who, when advised 
that five thousand men would suffice to quell Shay's rebellion, replied, 
" Then I will send fifteen thousand ; there can he no mistake alout 
thaty His Excellency is fully impressed with the value of the 
similar course that you suggest, and would gladly relieve the Federal 
Government for the present, so far as he may, of our proportion of 
the incidental burden attending so large a force. 

I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant. 

(Signed) HOR. BINXEY SARGENT, 

Aide-de-Camp. 



10 

From GOVERNOR CHARLES S. OLDEN, of New Jersey. 

State of New Jersey, 
Executive Department, 
Trenton, May 29th, 1861. 
Greneral Hiram Walbridge. 

Sir : — I have duly received your iutercsting letter of the 27th 
inst., relative to the importance of the Governiuent accepting volun- 
teers for the war until an army of six hundred thousand men are 
enrolled. There can be no doubt that such a demonstration of 
strength would impress foreign nations advantageously for our coun- 
try, and there is probably as little question that the loyal States have 
the power to place such an army in the field. These States can, I, 
think, endure a long war, or can put forth any required force that 
would secure a speedy termination to hostilities. Whether it is now 
wise for the Government to put forth its full strength in the outset, 
that such demonstration may be a humane saving of blood, or to 
husband its powers, is a question of State policy, upon which — con- 
fined as my attention has been to the discharge of duties' within this 
State — I am not prepared to express an opinion. I am happy the 
Government has the counsel in this crisis of leading military men, 
and with the Government thus aided, I prefer leaving these questions. 

In relation to the people of New Jersey, I can say that, in com- 
mon with tlie citizens of other loyal States, they arc prepared to 
respond to the calls the Government may make, and at all times to 
do their full dut}- in maintaining this nation as it is. 
With much respect, your obedient servant, 

(Signed) CHARLES S. OLDEN. 



From GOVERNOR ERASTUS FAIRBANKS, of Vermont. 

Execulirc Dtjicir/mcnt, } 
St. Johushury, May 31st, ISGl. ji 

General Hiram Walbkidoe, New York: 

Dear Sir : — I concur fully in the views expressed in your valued 
favor of the 27th instant, and am happy to assure you that such arc 
the views and earnest expressions of the citizens of Vermont. 

The sentiment everywhere cxpi'cssed is, that the rebellion must 



11 



be crushed, at whatever cost of men and treasure ; and in the ab- 
sence of any reliable information as to the plans of the Government, 
great solicitude has often been expressed lest a temporizing policy 
should be adopted. Still, as a whole, our citizens have entire confi- 
dence in the discretion and firmness of the administration, and only 
wait to know in what way they can contribute to its eSiciency. 

While an aggregation of undisciplined troops, without effective 
arms, would be premature and of little avail, I am solicitous that 
with all possible despatcb the Government should provide for arm- 
ing, officering, and mustering into service the largest available force 
necessary for ensuring, in the shortest period, the suppression of this 
wicked rebellion at whatever expense. No sacrifice is too great to 
be made for the accomplishment of such an object. 

A pressure of official duties prevents my writing more, but I will 
take the liberty to resume the subject by a future mail. 
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, 

(Signed) ERASTUS FAIRBANKS. 



From GOVERNOR ISAAC WASHBTJRNE, of Maine. 

Augusta, June Is/, 18G1. 
Hon. H. Walbridge, 

My dear Sir : Your letter of the 27th May, addressed to me at 
Orouo, was received by me in this city to-day. 

Heartily agreeing with you in every word you say, I have en- 
deavored to impress the importance of a policy like that which you 
urge with so much force, upon the administration at Washington ; 
and, altliough but four regiments have been called for from this 
State, six have been already formed and put into camp, and compa- 
nies are already raised sufficient to make up two or three more. 

It is my intention to keep two or more regiments in a camp of 
instruction, where they can learn the discipline and tactics so essen- 
tial to the making of good soldiers, and to keep them ready to march 
at an hour's notice. As fast as a regiment shall be called to leave 
the State, it is my intention to supply its place by bringing another 
into the camp. 



12 



This course is, I am sure, in liarmony with the ojiinions and 

Avishes of the people of the State, and they would be glad, as I 

should, if the administration would favor a policy that would justify 

us in doing still more. 

(Signed) Yery truly yours, 

I. WASHBURNE, JR. 



From GOVERNOR WILLIAM DENNISON, of OMo. 

The State ok Ohio. ) 

Ed-ccutivc Di'partineut, > 

Columbus, June 1st, 1861. ) 

De.vr Sir : I thank you for your letter of May 27th, and assure 
you of my hearty concurrence in what you say relating to the true 
policy of the Government, being in favor of a vigorous prosecution 
of the war. On this point, I have had no doubt from the beginning 
of active hostilities, and every day confirms me in the opinion that 
any other line of policy would be fatal to the Government and to the 
country. At the same time, I am not prepared to give an opinion 
as to the proper force to be organized. That is peculiarly a military 
(luestion which I prefer to leave to the Government to determine. 
I have favored the immediate enlistment of three hundred thousand 
volunteers, which, properly distributed soon, would, it seems to me, 
be sufficient to crush out the rebellion. I will cheerfully aid in any 
movement for the organization of tliat amount of force, and will not 
discourage the increased amount you suggest. 

I will inmiediately communicate with the Secretary of War on 
the subject. (Signed) Very respectfully, 

W. DENNISON. 
To General Hiram "WALisiiiDCiE, New York. 



From GOVERNOR ICHABOB GODWIN, of New Hampshire. 



State of New HAMPsninE, \ 

Executive Dcjiartiiunf, y 

rortsinoutli, June l.st, 18G1. ) 



Dear Sir: — Mr. Berry, Governor elect of New Hampshire, has 
sent me your letter of the 27th ult. I fully endorse the sentiments 



13 



you avow, believing with you that the only way to stop tins rebellion 
without great waste of ti-easure and blood, is to show that we have 
the ability to put it down, and a determination to do so. 

New Hampshire is ready to respond to any requisition made 
upon her by the General Government. 

I have recently despatched one regiment, and have another of 
1,046 men, nearly ready to move, and they are enlisted for the war. 

My term of office expires in a few days, but I have no doubt my 
successor will meet any exigency which may arise. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, 

(Signed) ICHABOD GODWIN, 

Governor of Neio Hampshire. 
To Hon. Hiram W.\lbridge, New York. 



From GOVERNOR AUSTIN BLAIR, of Michigan. 

Michigan, \ 

Executive Office, V 

Lansing, June 3d, 1861. ) 

Hox. Hiram Walbeidge : 

Dear Sir : — I have this moment received your letter of May 27th, 
having been absent from the Capital at the time it arrived. I has- 
ten now to say, that your views meet my hearty approbation, and 
nothing will give me greater pleasure than to cooperate in any effort 
to procure their adoption at Washington. 

The Government, after persistent teasing, have allowed me to 
furnish from INIichigan, four regiments, and no more. These are 
now all ready to march, and in good order. Four more quite as 
good are claiming to be received, and refuse to be satisfied when I 
tell them they are not desired. I think it safe to say, that at least 
nine-tenths of our people think the force called for entirely too small, 
and persist in maintaining that more troops will be received. I can- 
not stop their recruiting. Companies are all the time forming now, 
and they fairly weary me with their incessant demand to be organized 
and instructed. The truth is simply — the people feel that they have 



i 



14 



the power to crush this rebellion at a blow, and thej cannot see why 
they should not be allowed at once to do it. As to expense, I be- 
lieve in the long run it will cost less, and the saving of blooa would 
be immense. It is also of great consequence to demonstrate the 
power of the Government to quell rebellion quickly. Every way it 
seems better to mc, that the force should be made overwhelming as 
soon as possible. 

Hoping you may have entire success in your efforts, 

I remain, your obedient servant, 
(Signed) AUSTIN BLAIR. 



From GOVERNOH ALEX. RAMSEY, of Minnesota. 



State of Minnksota, \ 
Kxccidive Office, > 
?aint Taul, June 5tli, iSdl. J 



My DKAii Genehal : 

Your letter I received to-day, and hasten to respond to your 
inquiries. 

The people of Minnesota have the utmost confidence in the j)atriot- 
ism, the energy and the foresight of tlie Secretary of War and of ( Jeneral 
Scott, and believe that all that the occasion requires will be done by 
them to preserve the honor and the integrity of the Government; a 
dissolution of the Union by force or by any species of compromise 
they will never assent to. They, so far as I know, are of your 
opinion, that a very large force, all that the Government can handle, 
should at once be called out, believing this the most economical war 
policy ; as it is desirable that this war should be brought to a speedy 
conclusion, not only to save expenditure of life and money, but to 
prevent the diversion of the habits of the people from the peaceful 
pursuits of industry to those of the camp. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

(Signed) ALEX. IIAMSEY. 
General IIikam Waliskidge, New York. 



15 

From GOVERNOR WM. A. BUCKINGHAM, of Connecticut. 

State of Connecticut, ) 
Hartford, June 6Ui, 1861. J 
Dear Sir: 

Your esteemed favor of tlie 27tli ult. was duly received, the gen- 
eral sentlmeuts of which I cordially approve. I have not been able 
to give it earlier attention. 

In reply I would say, that the great mass of our citizens regard 
the present rebellion as the greatest crime ever committed against 
human authority, and feel the importance of suppressing it at the 
earliest moment. We want no parley with treason and no compro- 
mises. We do not suppose that the public peace can be restored, 
nor that submission to governmental authority can be secured at 
once. But, without faltering, we should press on as fiist as we can 
with prudence, uniting and concentrating our physical powers^ and 
cease not our eflforts until the supremacy of the Government is ac- 
knowledged in every section of our country, and the leaders in this 
rebellion are left without a standing upon the soil they have stained 
with infamy. I am, dear Sir, your obedient servant, 

(Signed) W. A. BUCKINGHAM. 
Hon. Hiram Walbridge, New York. 



From GOVERNOB, RICHARD YATES, of Illinois. 

Executive Department, \_ 
Springfield, June 10th, 18G1. \ 
Dear Sir : 

Upon my return from Washington, I find your letter of ]May 27th. 
I heartily endorse your views, and add, that I think the country will 
owe you a debt of gratitude for your efforts to bring about the true 
policy for the Government in the present crisis. 

My attention has been principally directed to the course of policy 
which should be pursued in the West, and I think my best way of 
bringing my views before you is to furnish you with a copy of a letter 
addressed by me to the Department at Washington, and also, a copy 
of a letter addressed by the Governors of Ohio and Indiana in 
conjunction with myself to the Department, which I herewith enclose. 



16 



I have presented my views in person at Washington to the same 

eifect. 

The whole power of the Government — all its men and all its 

means — even to the extent of great loss of life and national bank- 
ruptcy for a century, should be employed to criish out this infamous 
rebellion. To vindicate this Government is worth all it can possibly 
cost. As a historic fact, and the ultimate effect upon the liberties of 
juanliind and upon the future peace and perpetuity of the country, 
the cost in blood and in treasure is not to be calculated. But, as 
you well remark, it will cost less to prosecute the war vigorously. 
The war will sooner come to an end and be more humane, and the 
precedent worth far more, if a force of overwhelming power is at once 
brought into the field. 

Wishing you all success in your most patriotic efforts, 

I have the honor to be your obedient servant, 

(Signed) IIICIIAED YATES. 
General IIiram Walbiudoe, New York. 



From GOVERNOR ANDREW CURTIN, of Pennsylvania. 

rKNNSYLVAXIA, ExKCUTlVE ClIAMBEU, ) 

Ilurrisburg, Fa., Jane l5/h, 1801. f 
General IIimam Walijiudcp: : 

My dear 8ik : — Your letter of the -JTth ultimo, I supposed, had 
been promptly answered, and regretted to learn from yours of the 
12th inst,, that, amid my multiplied duties, a request so important, 
and suffo-estions so valuable as those contained in your first commu- 
uication, had been neglected. 

It must be apparent to every thinking man, that the course sug- 
gested by you is, in the main, founded on sound reason, and prompted 
by the highest dictates of humanity and national philanthropy. In 
accordance with your views, and for the promotion of ends so well 
pointed out by you, the State of Pennsylvania is now uniforming, 
ccpiipping, and arming fifteen regiments, to be ready in a few days 
for the field, and to be transferred to the service of the General Gov- 



17 



eminent whenever desired, increasing her forces, and strengthening, 
not only the Government, but the Union sentiment throughout those 
States in which it may have opponents — giving, as I believe, a moral 
force and power to this great national movement not to be acquired 
save by a demonstration of actual military force, and a display of 
well-appointed troops. 

These standing upon the borders of the disaffected States Avill 
form a bulwark of civil and religious liberty, challenging the admi- 
ration of foreign nations, and calling in terms not to be misunder- 
stood, upon the bold and bad men who head this hideous rebellion, 
to return to their allegiance ere they reap the terrible reward which, 
if this force is let loose upon them, is as unerring as it will be tei'- 
rific and conclusive. 

Very respectfully, 

(Signed) A. G. CURTIN. 



From GOVERNOR JOHN A. ANDREW, of Mass. 

CoMMONWIi.VLTlI OF jMasSACIUSETTS. 

Executive Department, Council C/iam/x r, 

Boston, June 12tli, ISOl. 

To General Hiram Walbridge, New York : 

Sir : — In relation to that energetic method of prosecuting the war 
which you suggest, I have to say, that if you can procure — in addi- 
tion to the last requisition upon this State for sis regiments, which 
will undoubtedly be in the field by the end of this month — a further 
requisition for ten regiments, thoroughly armed, equipped, clothed and 
provided with tents, baggage train, rations and subsistence stores ; 
these advances will be made by this State, and such a requisition 
answered to the letter within forty days from the reception of the 
order here, men enlisted for three years, unless sooner discharg-ed. 
We have already enlisted organized companies enough to make six 
regiments of the ten referred to, as a proposed requisition, and en- 
tirely independent of the six regiments already ordered, and of any 
troops now in the field. 

(Signed) JOHN A. ANDREW. 



18 

From HON. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War. 

War Department, ) 
Washington City, June lYth, 1801. ) 

Genei-al Hikam Walbridoe, New York. 

Sir : I have read with pleasure the letter of His Excellency, 
Governor John A. Andrew, addressed to you, under date of the 12th 
instant, stating, that if you can procure a further requisition by the 
Government for ten additional regiments from the State of Massa- 
chusetts, besides the last requisition for six, they will, within forty 
days, be sent, thoroughly armed, equipped, clothed, and provided 
with tents, baggage train, rations and subsistence stores, — men en- 
listed for three years, unless sooner discharged. 

You will please advise Governor Andrew that the necessary re- 
(piisition will immediately be made, and for your action in the 
premises accept the thanks of this Department, 

(Signed) SIMON CAMERON. 

Seer rt (try of W(tr. 



From GOVERNOR ANDREW, of Mass. 



Commonwealth ok Mas: 
Executive 
Boston 



;SA(IU'SETTS, 1 

•;e Department, > 

, June 23a, 18(jl. ) 



My dear Sir : — I yesterday received a communication from the 
Secretary of War requiring the ten regiments offered through your 
intervention for U. S. service from this State ; and I beg to express 
my cordial appreciation of the great public service rendered by you 
in urging, in a manner so patriotic, and by means so methodical and 
intelligent, a policy in which I most thoi'oughly concur, as alike 
humane, wise, and statesmanlike. I trust wc shall see the end of this 
war in a year from the 19th June, 18Gl,and also, that its conclusion 
will demonstrate the vitality of Democratic Republican government, 
the heroic manhood of our people, their faith in the fundamental 
ideas on which our Government and our social fabric stand ; and 
which shall moreover, settle forever, on immutable foundations of 



19 



moral and eternal right, the future of our Republic. Verily, as the 
King of Prussia remarked some years ago— " Progress is stronger 
than we are." The beginning of an end grand, glorious, and sublime 
is already here, and it is beyond the present power (thank God) of 
any man to do more than to swim with the Providential tide, or 
consent to be overwhelmed beneath its waves. 

Believe me, very sincerely, faithfully and obediently yours. 

JOHN A. ANDREW. 

General Hiram Walbridge, New York City. 



From GOVERNOR ANDREW, of Mass. 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 

Execufire Department^ 
Boston, June lltli, 1861. 

To General Walbridge. 

My dear Sir : — We have here in Massachusetts a full battery 
of light artillery, the equipments all complete, and the cannon rifled, 
which has been prepared under the direction and supervision of 
Major Cobb, already drafted into Federal service from this Common- 
wealth, and who held command of that battery until within a few 
years past. 

Major Cobb, although a Boston lawyer, is a gentleman of much 
military accomplishment and as fully adapted for the work as any 
man in New England. All the men of this new battery have been 
carefully selected by him personally, and trained under his eye ; and 
the equipments being new, I regard the battery as decidedly 
superior in efficiency to that now in the service. I think it would 
be an honest service to the Federal Government, if this new battery 
would be drafted into the forces of the United States ; I think that 
it is needed, that it is efficient, and that it would do itself credit in 
the field. We are definitely informed by Major General Butler 
that it would be an agreeable addition to his force in Virginia. 

I shall consider that any effort on your part, to procure a requi- 



20 



sition for it by the Federal Governmeut, will be a benefit to the 
country. 

Yours very truly, 
(Signed) JOHN A. vVNDREW. 



From HON. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War. 

War Departmknt, ^ 

Washington City, June 19tli, 1801. \ 

General Hiram Walbridge, New York. 

Dear Sir : You are at liberty to advise His Excellency, Gover- 
nor John A. Andrew, that the battery of light artillery tendered by 
the State of Massachusetts through you, to the General Ciovcrnment, 
will be accepted, and that the necessary requisition will be made for 
its beinjr mustered into the forces of the United States. 
With assurances of regard, yours truly, 
(Signed) SEMON C\MEl\0>i, Sccref(ir>/ of Wat: 



From HON. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War. 

Washington City, June 20th, IStil. 
I)kak General : 

I yesterday addressed you, thanking you in the name of the 
Government for your patriotic exertions in aiding to increase our Union 
forces. I now write to enquire if you are willing I should designate 
you for the position of ]h-igadier-General in the United States Vol- 
unteers. 

Your experience in the militia in your earlier years would be of 
essential service, and your capacity for comnuxnd would not fail to be 
of usefulness to the country. Let me hear from you, or see you on 
the subject soon. 

Yours very truly. 

(Signed) SIMON CAMERON. 
General Hiram >VALBiai)GE, New York. 



21 



To HON. SIMON CAMERON, Seoretary of War. 

Washington City, June 21st, 1861. 
Mv DEAR Sir : 

I am under very great obligations for your generous proposition 
to name me for so important and responsible a position as Brigadier- 
General iu the United States Volunteers. 

3But at this time, I conscientiously believe I can do more good in 
endeavoring to arouse the country to the real magnitude of this 
"•iirantic rebellion and the o;reat exertions that should be at once put 
forth to suppress it, than by the acceptance of any public position. 

Should the contest be protracted and the rebellion not suppressed 
in a reasonable time, I should then feel it my duty to relinquish all 
my other pursuits, and in any capacity where I can render the most 
essential service, I shall be found loyally battling for the cause of the 
Union and the Constitution. 

^Vishing you all prosperity for your very unexpected kindness, 
I remain yours most sincerely, 
HIRAM WALBRIDGE. 
Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War. 



From PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 

Washington, Nov. 18tli, ISOl. 
General Hiram Walbridge. 

Dear Sir : Your note reminding me of the fact that as early as 
April last you pointed out to me on the map Fort Royal and Beaufort 
as advantageous places to make lodgements on the Southern coast, is 
received. I am free to confess you were the first who called mv 
attention to that particular locality. I also remember that you in- 
sisted we should call six hundred thousand men into the field, a 
considerable length of time before I had brought my own mind up to 
anything near so large a scale. Yours truly, 

A. LINCOLN. 



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